Today we’d like to introduce you to Norma Heys.
Norma, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I actually started tutoring back when I was seven and my little brother was four. He wasn’t exactly “in it to win it” when it came to our playtime school sessions, but I absolutely loved it. I think that’s when I first discovered how much joy I found in teaching — even if my first student was a reluctant one!
As I grew older, especially in high school and college, I became more and more drawn to the sciences. That curiosity eventually led me into the biopharmaceutical world, where I spent over four years working in biotech. Then came a big transition — moving from Davis down to Southern California while finishing my Master’s in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics. During that time, I decided, almost on a whim, to start tutoring again “just for fun.”
One thing led to another, and before I knew it, that side passion had blossomed into something full-time. Today, I’m proud to work as a private tutor with over 25 incredible students — each one with their own goals, quirks, and lightbulb moments that make this work so rewarding.
When I restarted Norma G Tutors, I revived my old tutoring website and Instagram, thinking it would be a small creative outlet. But that little spark turned into a true business — and a growing community. I started sharing more of what I love: from personalized study tools and tips to my slightly obsessive calculator collection (yes, I have many and I’m oddly proud of it!). It became a space where learning meets personality — where students see that education can be fun, human, and even a little quirky.
What started as something playful when I was seven has now become a business built on connection, creativity, and care. Watching my students grow, celebrate small victories, and gain confidence is still my favorite part of every single day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No career path is ever truly a smooth road, no matter what field you’re in. I certainly never imagined I’d one day own my own tutoring business. Just a short while ago, I was fully immersed in the biotechnology world — finishing my Master’s in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, expanding my career in the industry, and wrapping up my internship at Avid Bioservices as an MSAT Upstream Engineer. I knew all the buzzwords of biopharmaceutical manufacturing, and I genuinely saw myself continuing to grow in those scientific spaces. Both my bachelor’s and master’s were deeply science-based — Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, then Biotechnology and Bioinformatics — and I absolutely loved every part of it.
But when I started tutoring again — just one student at first — something clicked. I realized that what I loved most about school wasn’t just learning, it was teaching myself new things, breaking them down, understanding them deeply. And suddenly, I saw that same spark in my students. That’s when it hit me: I didn’t just want to learn anymore; I wanted to help others learn, too.
Of course, there have been challenges along the way. The biggest one has definitely been navigating the business side — finances, structure, and everything that comes with leaving the comfort of a stable 9-to-5 in biotech. Transitioning from a structured corporate environment to running your own show can be incredibly daunting. There are moments where you feel overwhelmed, unsure, and maybe a little unqualified.
But I’ve been lucky to have an amazing and supportive community that truly values education and believes in what I do. Their trust makes all the difference. And honestly, I’ve come to believe that if your small business dreams don’t keep you up at night sometimes — or give you a bit of anxiety here and there — then maybe they’re not big enough dreams. The nerves, the excitement, the uncertainty… they’re all signs that you’re building something meaningful
As you know, we’re big fans of Norma G Tutors . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Norma G Tutors is my small, heart-led tutoring business where I work with students both in person and online to help them build confidence in math, science, Spanish, and SAT prep. What I’m most known for is creating a space where students feel supported, encouraged, and truly seen. Every session is personal — I take the time to get to know each student’s learning style and personality so that our lessons feel less like “school” and more like growth.
What sets Norma G Tutors apart is the balance between structure and heart. I teach with the same curiosity and care I had when I was a student myself, and I try to remind every kid that learning doesn’t have to feel scary or frustrating — it can actually be empowering.
One of the things I’m most proud of brand-wise has been partnering with other local businesses who share that same passion for helping students succeed. Recently, I teamed up with the SAT Crash Course team, which now allows me to offer students realistic online SAT simulations and full performance reports packed with personalized tips and tricks. Watching my students gain confidence through those tools has been so rewarding.
I also know how challenging it’s become for today’s students to make college a reality. The competition is tougher, the expectations are higher, and yet I see every day how hard these younger generations are working to shine. My goal is to be part of that journey — to help them reach something I value deeply myself: the power of education and the doors it opens.
And a big part of connecting with this generation has been through my online presence, especially Instagram. It’s turned into such a fun way to share study tips, motivation, and a bit of my personality (yes, including my ever-growing calculator collection). It’s been amazing seeing how social media can make learning feel more relatable and human.
At the end of the day, Norma G Tutors isn’t just about teaching — it’s about helping students believe in themselves, find joy in learning, and realize that they are absolutely capable of achieving great things.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I’m really excited to keep growing Norma G Tutors — both in reach and in the resources I can offer my students. I want to continue building partnerships with other local educators and programs that share the same mission of making learning accessible, engaging, and meaningful.
One of my biggest goals is to expand my online presence even more — not just to reach new students, but to create tools and resources that families anywhere can use to make studying a little easier and more enjoyable. Whether that’s through digital planners, online practice courses, or study guides, I want to keep finding creative ways to support students beyond the classroom.
I’m also excited to give back to the community that has supported me along the way. I hope to host local workshops and small academic events where students can connect, learn, and feel inspired together. On top of that, I’ve begun developing a private $1,000 scholarship specifically for DREAMers/DACA students pursuing college — a small way to help make higher education more attainable for those who are working so hard to achieve their dreams.
In the end, my plan is simple: to keep doing what I love — helping students grow, dream big, and believe in what’s possible for them. Watching them light up when something finally clicks never gets old, and that’s what keeps me excited for what’s next.
Pricing:
- In-Person Sessions @ Home (Based in Orange County) = $65/hr
- Online One-on-One = $50/hr
- Online Simulation SAT Half Test (English or Math) with Full Report/Diagnostic = $15
- Online Simulation Full SAT with Full Report/Diagnostic = $30
- Online 3 Week SAT BootCamp = $400
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.normagtutor.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normagtutor/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norma-heys-a1s2
Image Credits
Norma G Tutors
